Hi there,i have been on retin a myself for quite some time.It pulls the oils and balckheads etc out.This is why it seems increasingly oily.That in time will fade out.Just be patient with it.Also i looked up plexion Mask and could not find it.DO you have the complete name and the maker of it.I would very much like to know thanks.

Thanks for the reply!! Good to know.

As for the mask I wrote about -- my derm prescribed it to me during my first appt. I use it after the plexion cleanser, when my face is still wet -- leave it on for 10 min. or uuntil dry. Best thing is -- it really, really controls oil for 4 to 6 hours. It is called Plexion SCT (sodium sulfacetmide 10% and sulfur 5%). The maker is Medicis -- the dermatology Company.

Good luck.

im not sure by what you mean by mask. but i find that those strips that you stick on your nose and then leave and pull off (painfully) are very effective at getting rid of blackheads, dont know if its any good for you though long term though?

Well -- I went to my derm in Oct. 2002 for a sudden onset of adult acne -- only on my cheeks -- especially -- my right cheek. After one appointment with a horrible derm who kept telling me that I was attractive, regardless of the acne (how unprofessional!!) I found a well -recommended dr. She put me on Plexion Cleanser and the Plexion mask (which is great!!) in the morning, Adoxa (antibiotics) and Avita (at night). This regime was going well -- and she said that she wanted to do N-lite to get rid off the red marks. Anyway -- my last appt. she suggested Accutane (because I had three new pimples -- a result of job related stress and hormones). I said "No" because I know my body and how I react to side affects from meds. To make a long story short -- she told me to research Accutane (I still know it is not right for me), and she told me to start using Retin-A Micro (the low dose) instead of Avita. Well -- Know my skin is becoming quite oily from the Retin-A. Pleas give me some advice, suggestions and any feedback. Thanks.

Hey all!

I as well felt compelled to share my story after reading this. I was a complete mess as I had a cystic acne breakout at 27 years old (female) that last 12 months, literally never stopped all along my jawline, mouth, chin. I tried EVERYTHING. Went to dermatologists, gynecologist, regular doctor, holistic, etc. They all threw topicals and spironolactone at me, but none of it helped. I was a wreck. Full of anxiety, crying every day and depressed. I had lost so much confidence and had a hard time looking people in the eye. It was deeply affecting both my professional and personal life.

Finally I went to a functional medicine ND (naturopathic doctor) and she did my blood work. Not surprising it came back with some interesting finds - most important being deficient in vitamins D and C and very low progesterone/high DHEA. I began taking 4000 IU a day of vitamin D liquid (Emulsi D from Design for Health), vitamin C supplement 2-3 times a day (excess is flushed from your system) and a morning shake (Paleocleanse by Designs for Health). I am amazed. My face stopped breaking out within 2 weeks of beginning this regime. I am now at the 4 week mark and it has stopped breaking out almost 100%. I have one pimple right now - where I used to have 20. I took a few days off of the Paleocleanse and didn't notice any flare up, so I attribute this change mostly to the D and C.

I did cut back carbs and dairy (not 100%, but significantly) and drink 2-3 cups of matcha powder green tea every day. However, I was doing both of these things prior to the C and D and they did not stop the acne. Regardless I like how I feel with this change so will continue.

I have my life back and am so grateful. Having a face full of acne was devastating and I hope that everyone out there dealing with this can find their solution. You are all so strong to push your way through this. I know it is a truly devastating disease and can take a huge toll on your confidence. People do not understand until they have it. I do believe everyone is unique and there is no magic wand you can wave, but my best advice would be to:

GET A BLOOD TEST.

Have a doctor test you for all of your vitamins, minerals, hormone levels, etc. Then have them walk you through the results, one by one. You deserve this attention. (I have a whole other opinion on doctors and how some are incredible and many are the worst in terms of informing their patients.)

A bit more background:

I think my issue may have started when my mom had skin cancer - ever since then I avoided the sun. My deficiency must have progressed over the last few years as I noticed my skin getting slightly worse, then all of a sudden full blown, cystic adult acne. I had also moved from sunny California, to NYC.

About six months after the acne flare up (my skin was horrible) I decided to go off of birth control after being on it for 14 years because whatever, my skin was horrible anyway, and I wanted to get off of the artificial hormones. This also contributed to awful hormonal mood swings and anxiety and I did not have a period for 6 months or so. When I started taking the PaleoCleanse, D and C, I got it back. My anxiety has also substantially decreased. I really feel like a new person.

What I take:

PaleoCleanse powder in the morning - Designs for Health

Stellar C (vitamin C) - Designs for Health (1-3 pills a day)

Vitamin D (Emulsi D3 liquid under the tongue) - Designs for Health (2000 IU in the morning, 2000 IU at night)

Theramedix Super Strength Digestion enzymes (1 with every meal)

Klaire Labs Ther-Biotic Complete (probiotic) (1 morning and night)

Geronova Research R-Plus (strong antioxidant) (1 morning)

Drink - Matcha green tea, lots of filtered water, still enjoy margaritas on the weekends

Topical - Exposed skin care (moisture lotion and clear pore serum) and Clearogen 2.5% benzoyl peroxide and Aveeno Ultra Calming lotion

I hope this information helps someone. For anyone who may have similar issues -- female, hormone issues, stress, late twenties, birth control pill, absence of period, jawline/mouth cystic acne, adult acne, PCOS, severe anxiety, mood swings, depression, etc. -- please get a blood test. It may point you right to your solution.

Jessa

Hi

I dont think you mentioned in the initial post how old you are

But Ill be 42 in June..my acne started when I was 38

I was using obagi so I was already using retin-a cream nightly

I saw the derm who prescribed antibiotics and a BP wash

After that I tried several other OTC and rx prescriptions (acanya, finacea, aczone)

I begged several derms for spiro (and my gyno for bcp) was told that was crazy and my acne wasnt BAD enough

I saw a new derm that within 2 secs of hearing my history prescriped tane

I was floored and thought NO WAY

BUT after years of not getting anywhere I decided to go for it..my biggest fear was the IB..but i figured 6 mnths of hell and Ill be zit free forever

My derm also said as I got closer to menopause ti would get worse (i had my hormones checked several times and all was good)

I just finished 6 mnths of tane ( actually stopped a few days shy) and my skin stinks

I didnt even think tane not working was an option

I kept thinking i would be clear mnth 2,3, 4 ,5 and so on

Now i hear tane is still in your system and it could take months after to kick in

In a nutshell I regret taking it at this time

I would def go back to what u were using prio to retin-a if it worked better for you

If you are still unhappy i would demand spiro before tane

My derm said she hates spiro and doesnt think it is smart to mess with hormones and would prefer/rec tane for 6 mnths and be done with acne for good (well..what happened to me???)

GL and hang in there

Kim